see and be seen.

www.markhamartcollective.com

Markham Art Collective is the new, non-profit online visual art resource website
based in Unionville, Markham, Ontario.
This unique free service is in the continual process of compiling art resource information
not readily available elsewhere, with the help of local contributors’ experiences and sources.
The group’s mission is to provide supplemental information and resources for visual artists,
including online discussions in order to enhance the visual art experience.

Thanks to the staff at Cubbii Market and to all our guests, the opening reception of the Colour of Art show featuring paintings by Audra Noble and your’s truly was a great success. The sampling of the many photos taken  (above) will give you a brief glimpse of the event.

Thanks to Wilson, Winnie, Phil & Ming — our hosts at Cubbii, and to your staff and friends.

Special thanks to Robyn for instigating the show: your guidance and advice is always welcome and usually correct, and your support is never-ending.

Thanks to Nick for capturing some great moments with your camera. You are a wonderful and helpful son.

Thanks to my show partner Audra for agreeing to put together this joint showcase of our collective works. It was a great experience for both of us. Thanks also to Paul for providing the post-show vino.

A great big thank you to all our friends and guests who took the time to come to the reception. I appreciate your continued support.

The Colour of Art show continues through to December 17th. Cubbii Market is located at the corner of the Bridle Trail and Kennedy Road in Unionville, just south of 16th Avenue. Plenty of bargains to be had – priced for the season.

Cheers, Franklin

Cubbii Market is a new retail concept taking product sales to a different level. One of Cubbii’s strategies is to offer sellers small cubicles to showcase their products. The cubicles are approximately 24 inches square, ideal for jewelry designs and other small items. There are also larger showcases for bigger objects. The key to the concept is a low overhead for sellers who don’t have a huge inventory. For the arts and crafts sector it is a perfect and inexpensive way to promote your wares.

Robyn suggested that the wide open floorspace could be suitable for an art exhibit, and after some discussions, here we are.

Opening Reception is on December 3rd from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Light refreshments will be available.

Cubbii Market is located at the corner of Kennedy Road and The Bridle Trail, just south of 16th Avenue. Drop in and see us during the Opening Reception. Lots of bargains for the Christmas season.

See you there!

Today, Rhiana and I entered a juried Mayor’s Art Showcase. I entered “Reach” and “The Pond“. The latter was accepted. Rhiana’s two entries also got in, one of which garnered an Honourable Mention. Way to go Rhiana! Congratulations!

Tomorrow is the Markham Arts Council’s major fundraiser: Arts & Tarts: A Royal Tea. Yours truly was the sponsoring graphic designer. Over 200 guests are expected and will be entertained by June Garber — our favourite local songstress, Opera York and local pianist Scott Christian. There’ll be a Hat Parade managed by Nancy Farr and Christiane Bristow with beautiful models showcasing the latest in headwear. A Tea Tasting by Roger Clements of the Old Curiosity Tea Shop. A heART Gallery with paintings and sculptures – all with a heart theme in honour of our star, the Queen of Hearts played by Christiane Bristow. Elaine Cooledge our décor designer has created a wonderland memory. There’ll be boutiques and balloon pop draws, silent auctions and of course, a Royal Tea. All proceeds will go towards the Markham Arts Council. The invitation was a unique design whereby I created a box with a real teacup and saucer inside. Its been a big hit. My sister Elizabeth created an amazing fused glass dish in honour of the event for the heART Gallery. Robyn Craig and Judi McIntyre are the most important component to this event. Without their continuing hard work, it wouldn’t be happening. Thank you on behalf of all the members of the Markham Arts Council for all that you do for us!

Nicky’s represented Markham Teen Arts Council at several events and attended their first rock concert at the Crosby Arena. He also took the initiative to write a letter to the Director of Culture, John Ryerson requesting an Arts & Culture Centre to be included in the Town of Markham’s long-term Leisure and Culture strategic plan. Good job Nicky – you are the future generation that will be appreciating everything the Town and the Arts Council are doing and your voice is important!

On Thursday, Robyn and I attended an announcement by the York Region Arts Council who showcased a new grant program and an upcoming conference to be held in April 2011. I design the theme logo: Arts Exposed, plus an accompanying flyer that was included in attendee kits.

On May 31 for a week, the Markham Arts Council presents the Art Show to be held in Unionville. I’ll be participating in this show as well and designed the marketing communications for this event. Click here for a poster.

Well, that’s my update so far. TTFN!